Great Court, University of Queensland

The Great Court features a central lawn surrounded by heritage-listed sandstone buildings with colorful stone facades creating a mosaic-like appearance of purples, creams, and browns.

Construction began in 1937 with the Forgan Smith Building and continued over four decades, with the complex serving as Allied Land Forces headquarters during World War II.

Over 1,200 stone carvings by sculptors John Theodore Muller and Rhyl Kingston Hinwood depict Queensland's history, flora, fauna, and notable figures including Shakespeare and Darwin.

The courtyard serves as a central gathering place for students and faculty, accessible through campus tours with detailed guides available for exploring the extensive artwork.

The sandstone facades incorporate humorous grotesques and mythical figures alongside academic sculptures, creating a blend of serious scholarly themes with playful artistic elements.

Location: Queensland

Part of: University of Queensland, St Lucia campus

GPS coordinates: -27.49680,153.01300

Latest update: July 23, 2025 15:18